Postdoctoral position at the Research Group Microenvironments for Medicine

Somma; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 32.000 - 42.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

IBEC's Microenvironments for Medicine Group in Barcelona seeks a Postdoctoral researcher to develop vascular mechanobiology studies. The role requires endothelial cell isolation, 3D vascular spheroid models, RNA-seq, advanced microscopy and standard molecular biology techniques.

The successful candidate will lead group development, manage collaborations, publish in international journals and contribute to grant proposals, while mentoring students and supporting the PI.

Formación

• PhD in a relevant area with endothelial cell biology and mechanobiology experience.
• Proven scientific output through publications, books, or conference works.
• Multidisciplinary physics/engineering skills with biology interface.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Fluent English language skills.
• Experience as post‑doctoral researcher in Spain or abroad.
• Experience in cell culture, advanced microscopy, and mechanical characterization.

Responsabilidades

• Lead group management and develop collaborations nationally and internationally.
• Plan, design and conduct research independently or jointly per PI priorities.
• Sustain publications in high‑profile journals.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Identify funding sources and contribute to proposals.
• Mentor and supervise undergrad/graduate students.
• Perform administrative tasks related to group activities.
• Keep current with advances and advise students.
• Support PI in visa/work permits and integration in Barcelona.

Conocimientos

Endothelial cell biology

Mechanobiology

Cell culture

3D culture

Advanced microscopy

RNA-seq analysis

Communication

Teamwork

English proficiency

Educación

Ph.D.

Herramientas

Hydrogel synthesis

Protein purification

Brillouin microscopy

AFM

Nanoindentation

Rheology

Descripción del empleo

Introduction to the vacant position:

The Microenvironments for Medicine Group is looking for a Postdoctoral candidate to develop research in the field of vascular mechanobiology. The work involves expertise in primary endothelial cell isolation and culture, multicellular vascular spheroid models, RNA‑seq analysis, advanced microscopy and standard molecular biology techniques. We are looking for someone with a solid background in vascular biology and a strong interest in cell engineering and mechanobiology. The successful candidate will be required to make a leading contribution to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as make a significant contribution to the management of the research group.

Responsibilities

• Play a leading role in the management and development of the group and work independently and in collaboration, establishing and maintaining external collaborations both nationally and internationally.
• Play a leading role in the planning, design and conduct of research, individually or jointly, in accordance with the priorities of the group and in discussions with the PI.
• Sustain a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high‑profile/quality refereed journals.
• Play a leading role in the presentation of research findings at high‑profile national and international conferences, seminars and meetings to enhance the research profile of the group/institute.
• Lead the development, both independently and in collaboration with others (including stakeholders), of the identification of potential funding sources and contribute to the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research of international quality.
• Play a leading role in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the research group to ensure their effective development.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group.
• Supervise Masters students and mentor PhD students as assigned by the PI.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline in order to provide advice and guidance to students and less experienced colleagues.
• Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills as needed by the research group and in discussion with the PI.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the PI.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant area with demonstrable expertise in endothelial cell biology and its combination in mechanobiology studies.
• Demonstrable scientific and technical activity: Articles published in scientific journals, books or chapters of scientific and technical books, works presented at congresses, patents granted or licensed, and generally any other contribution that allows assessment of research merits.
• Multidisciplinary skills in physical sciences/engineering at the interface with biology, experience in working with cell culture, advanced microscopy, mechanical characterisation of cells and hydrogels, 3D culture.
• Competencies and skills: Communication, teamwork, collaboration, commitment, proactivity, integrity, critical and analytical thinking.
• High level of English.
• Advisory: Experience/knowledge of synthesis of hydrogels; recombinant production and purification of proteins in bacteria; mechanobiology; advanced mechanical characterisation of soft matter, including nanoindentation, AFM, rheology and Brillouin microscopy; cell culture at the interface with hydrogels and biomaterials.
• Experience as a post‑doctoral researcher at Spanish and/or foreign universities or R&D centres other than IBEC.
• Other curricular merits: management of doctoral and master’s theses, obtaining awards, mentions, distinctions; dissemination activities.

Benefits and Working Conditions

• Number of available positions: 1.
• Starting date: October 2026.
• Working conditions: Full time, open‑ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration.
• Work‑life balance measures, including parental leave, flexible schedule working hours, 23 working days of paid holidays, 9 leave days for personal matters.
• IBEC provides equality of access to professional development opportunities and a wide range of training including mobility grants and mentoring programmes.
• Stimulating interdisciplinary research and high‑quality international scientific environment.
• Induction programme to facilitate incorporation at IBEC and support for foreigners to obtain Visa‑working permits and installation in Barcelona.

Equal Opportunity

IBEC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. The institute supports employees irrespective of gender, nationality, religion, disabilities, age, sexual identity or cultural and socioeconomic background.